[A/N] - Unlock the Next Level of this Story with your [Power Stones]!!!
[A/N] - Don't Forget to leave a [Review] – Your Voice Matters!!!
[A/N] - With Your Blessings, 2/3/4 Even 5 Chapters Daily!
<><><><>
Heads up : The first 30 chapters are undergoing revisions and may contain grammatical errors and inaccuracies. I assure you the quality will significantly improve after that point, becoming increasingly refined and polished.
<><><><>
In the Bleach universe, both Shinigami and Arrancar initially wield swords, their powers manifesting as Bankai and Resurrección, respectively. Ian's current fusion with the Ulquiorra template was akin to a Shinigami's Shikai, the initial release, or the base form of an Arrancar.
Although swordsmanship in the One Piece world relied primarily on physical strength, sufficient mastery could unleash devastatingly powerful attacks.
"Sword Aura, Sword Pressure, Sword Intent, Sword Domain."
These were the four tiers of swordsmanship that Ian had identified from his past life's knowledge of One Piece.
Sword Aura, the most basic level, was the entry point for becoming a true swordsman. Upon mastering it, even a common sword or knife could slice through steel.
Comprehension of Sword Pressure allowed one to project potent waves of sword energy. At its peak, this energy could even take on a physical form, like Mihawk's devastating slashes.
Beyond Sword Pressure lay the domain of Sword Intent, unique to each individual. Every swordsman's intent differed, like Vista's elegant flower sword style, Kin'emon's fiery Foxfire Style, and countless others.
The pinnacle of swordsmanship was Sword Domain, the fusion of Sword Aura, Sword Pressure, and Sword Intent into a unified force. It wasn't a literal domain, but rather the area within which a swordsman could perfectly control their sword energy, cutting anything within its reach with absolute precision.
Beyond swordsmanship, Ian was also fascinated by Devil Fruits and Haki.
Observation Haki seemed remarkably similar to his own soul-sensing ability, suggesting a potential avenue for training. The ability to predict attacks and perceive the "Voice of All Things" was invaluable. While he possessed High-Speed Regeneration and Hierro, pain was still a factor. He wasn't masochistic enough to enjoy being cut.
Busoshoku Haki, which enhanced both defense and offensive power, mirrored the properties of Hierro. Training in this area was also beneficial; increased durability was always an asset. As for Conqueror's Haki…
This rare ability required the inherent qualities of a king and seemed analogous to spiritual pressure, directly impacting the soul with similar, if not greater, force. Cultivating this was a lower priority.
After all, both Luffy and Kid possessed Conqueror's Haki, yet their conceit had led them to challenge Kaido and Big Mom prematurely, resulting in brutal defeats and imprisonment.
It was too easy to become overconfident. The Marines, despite their lack of Conqueror's Haki, compensated with discipline and strategic thinking.
As for Devil Fruits, they were unnecessary. Ulquiorra's template abilities were comparable to any Devil Fruit power.
Who knew what would happen if he consumed one? Would it cause an internal conflict, like two Devil Fruits clashing within a single body?
The Hollows of Bleach were similar to Devil Fruits in One Piece, Cursed Seals in Naruto, and Dragon Slayer Magic in Fairy Tail, granting users animalistic abilities.
He wouldn't risk it, especially with a system that paved his path to dominance in the One Piece world. The mystery of individuals like Blackbeard, who wielded multiple Devil Fruit powers, remained unsolved.
Perhaps he could experiment by killing a Devil Fruit user and absorbing their soul. A relatively risk-free approach to unraveling the secret.
His path was clear.
Hunt down the wicked and devour their souls to enhance his own power. Or seek out locations like Impel Down, where countless souls had perished, hoping to absorb any lingering remnants.
He needed to learn how to Enhance both Observation and Busoshoku Haki. Swordsmanship, however, could be practiced immediately. Sword Intent and Sword Domain were distant goals for now.
He sought to emulate Dracule Mihawk, the world's greatest swordsman, whose unwavering focus on pure, unadulterated swordsmanship allowed him to cleave through any obstacle.
Many One Piece fans joked about Mihawk and Zoro's dynamic: "I'll teach you swordsmanship, you teach me how to name my attacks."
But the truth was, few could withstand even a single, unassuming swing from Mihawk's blade.
Ian saw Mihawk's approach as a return to basics. All sword techniques ultimately culminated in a single, decisive strike. Why not dedicate oneself to perfecting that single strike, the alpha and omega of all swordsmanship?
That was the essence of his title as the world's greatest swordsman. Even in the later stages of the series, no one focused solely on developing unique Sword Intents. It was all about the pure, unbridled power of the slash.
The katana in the box before him had a white hilt and a blade just over a meter long, a moderately sized, well-crafted sword with a subtle floral design. Its construction suggested quality and resilience.
Ian tested its edge. Hardness and sharpness were its defining traits. Likely the work of an unknown swordsmith, rivaling the renowned "50 Skillful Grade Blades," it could easily draw blood from his 12% Hierro.
It was a treasure discovered within the White Skull Pirates' hoard, likely kept as a collector's item. After all, a sword crafted by one of the "50 Skillful Grade Blades" was worth millions of Berries. A single raid could easily yield such a prize.
He rose, drew the katana, and swung it through the air. The blade whistled, a testament to its exceptional sharpness. He practiced his swings, aiming at the vast ocean.
"I wonder if I can imbue it with spiritual pressure?" He pondered, sensing that conventional practice wouldn't yield significant improvement.
In the Bleach universe, both Shinigami and Arrancar could enhance their Zanpakuto with spiritual pressure, amplifying their attacks with potent Sword Aura and Sword Pressure.
"Fusion." His skin paled, the partial horned helmet materialized, his eyes shifting to green, tear marks appearing beneath them.
He channeled his 12% fused spiritual pressure, equivalent to a Shinigami student, a low-level Hollow, or a pirate with a 10 million Berry bounty, into the blade. It vibrated slightly but held firm.
With a powerful swing, he unleashed a strike..
However, the ocean beneath him parted, a clean cut several meters long appearing momentarily before quickly closing.
"Pointless. It seems specific swordsmanship training isn't necessary." He realized that sufficient spiritual pressure, combined with enhanced physical strength and resilience, allowed him to generate Sword Aura and Sword Pressure naturally.
He settled into a chair to rest. Throughout the journey, attractive women had offered him food and drink, expressing gratitude and affection. He politely declined their advances.
With his newfound strength, his goals had shifted. In this unforgiving world, survival demanded power. Romantic entanglements would only hinder his progress and cloud his judgment.
Time passed. After three days of navigating with White Skull's log pose, the ship reached a sizable island, comparable to a small city.
This was the White Skull Pirates' destination, a hub for slave trading and information exchange. A dozen or so pirate crews of similar size operated on the island.
The rescued villagers disembarked, leaving Ian alone. He was embarking on a suicide mission. Who would willingly accompany him?
His goal was to eliminate as many pirates as possible, regardless of the outcome.
Perhaps he would follow Trafalgar Law's example, offering one hundred pirate hearts to the World Government to become a Warlord. Or perhaps he would be recruited by the Marines, or absorbed into a more powerful pirate crew. Or perhaps he would be captured and imprisoned in Impel Down…
Regardless, each path offered opportunities to encounter numerous souls and Enhance Haki.
With resolute determination, Ian disembarked, stepping onto the pirate-infested island…
<><><><>
Loved the chapter? Let me know with a [Power Stone] and a [Review]!!
....
To Be Continued..
....